List of NDDP options

The main features of NDDP are shown below.

Workable (NI)

Workable (NI) is a programme that gives people with disabilities the opportunity of working in a wide variety of jobs. The person's disability must have a significant adverse impact on their ability to carry out the particular job they are applying for. There are a range of supports available through Workable (NI) that are designed to meet the needs of each individual and their employer.

Permitted Work

This is seen as a stepping stone off benefits and into work for clients. It enables clients to work for an agreed amount of hours without affecting their Incapacity Benefit (when agreed with the Social Security Agency (SSA)), thus allowing clients to see if the job is suitable.

Permitted Work is administered by the SSA. There are three types of Permitted Work available, outlined below.

Permitted Work Lower Limit
Permitted Work Higher Limit
Supported Permitted Work

Linking Rules

There are various linking rules available to customers who leave Incapacity Benefit to start full time employment or training which will protect the rate of benefit. These include an 8 week, 52 week and 2 year linking rule. They are administered by the SSA and further information can be obtained from the Customer Care Team.

Approved Work

Some clients may be able to undertake Approved Work. This option provides the opportunity to try out the job for an agreed length of time before signing off benefit. It also gives the employer a chance to observe the client's suitability for the job. The work must be:

done on a trial basis
unpaid (reasonable travelling expenses may be allowed)
for a duration mutually agreed by the customer, the DEA and the employer

External Support Service

If the DEA and the client agree that referral to an appropriate external support service would be beneficial, arrangements will be made accordingly. Costs can be funded through NDDP.

Voluntary Work

Clients on Incapacity Benefits, Incapacity Credits or Severe Disablement Allowance may be able to take up voluntary work. The work must:

not conflict with the customer's incapacity
not be for a close relative
not be paid work (although reasonable travelling expenses may be allowed).

There is no restriction on the number of hours worked. DEAs must inform the SSA prior to a customer commencing voluntary work.

Job Introduction Scheme (JIS)

JIS enables a client to have a trial period with an employer that can be supported via a subsidy of £75 per week. This is normally paid for 6 weeks (JIS cannot be paid during any period in which DPES is being paid).

Access to Work

This gives practical support to people with disabilities at work. For example, the client might need a communicator, special equipment, adaptations to premises or help with additional travel costs incurred due to their disability.

For information on other Disablement Advisory Service Programmes